Pangasius Catfish, New Business Opportunities

Pioneer animal feeds firm Vitarich Corp. is taking the lead in locally culturing the fish Pangasius, also known as sutchi catfish or striped catfish, which may be the next generation fish in the country.

Originally cultured in Vietnam and Thailand, the Pangasius fish is in great demand in the United States, Europe, Russia and China with its fillet meat popular among high end restaurants worldwide.

The Pangasius presents new business opportunities in both local and export markets.

Known for its enormous size, the adult Pangasius can grow up to 130 centimeters or four feet in length and weigh up to 44 kilograms or 97 lbs.

“Pangasius is the next big thing for the local aquaculture industry,” according Vitarich chairman and president Rogelio Sarmiento.

“The entry of the Pangasius to our line of aqua products for export will strengthen our foothold in the global aquaculture market,” he added.

Vietnam’s Pangasius fish production is expected to reach one million metric tons this year.

“If we start culturing Pangasius here, we do not have to rely on imports to meet local market demand, and it will greatly boost our export markets,” he added.

“With the right amount and quality of feeds, and proper technical support which Vitarich offers, we can be able to compete globally,” assured Sarmiento.

Care and feeding:
Since they are omnivorous, the Pangasius Catfish or Iridescent Shark Catfish will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food or pellet everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms. As they get older they loose their teeth, and like the Pacus, become more and more vegetarian.

Distribution:
The Pangasius Catfish or Iridescent Shark Catfish fish are found near Bangkok, Thailand. They have also been referred to as the Asian Shark Catfish in some earlier publications.

Size – Weight:
The Pangasius Catfish or Iridescent Shark Catfish get up to 39 inches (100 cm). Yes, over 3 feet long! There are other species of Pangasius that are sometimes sold as pangasius catfish, namely, Pangasius pangasius and Pangasius gigas that can reach 300 cm or 9 feet long!

Social Behaviors:
When they are young they like to school up, but will become more and more solitary as the get older. They are generally a good community fish and can be kept with most size tank-mates.

Sexual Differences:
Males are more slender than the females and have darker striping.